This image was created in Ray Dream Studio, which is the software that we use for the 3D Modelling course, that I teach at Maroochydore TAFE. The purpose was to create an exercise for the students, to see how they were progressing (we were about three quarters of the way through the course).

I set myself a time limit of two hours for this one, the students would have a three hour class to try and produce something similar.

I displayed the image on the whiteboard using the datashow projector, briefly explained which modelling tools that I had used and let them get on with it. I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised, as most of the students managed to create a respectable rendering in the allocated time. I always get the feeling that I have achieved something when my students manage to achieve something, it means that some of what I have been trying to teach them must have sunk in.

This image was produced entirely in Ray Dream Studio, whenever possible, I like to try and acchieve what I am aiming for, without using other software to enhance the final image. I think that I have done that here, even the depth of field effect looks quite good.

I quite like Ray Dream, it has a lot of features and tools available. The only problem with it is that it appears to be a little flaky for a version 5+ product. It will crash unexpectedly, or lock up the computer completely. In the first class, I always give the students three rules for working with Ray Dream , they are

1. Save your work often
2. Save your work often
3. Save your work often